Eternal Sunshine

Eternal Sunshine ... Current mood: creative
So I just saw a really good (but old) movie called "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." It was probably one of the best movies that I have ever seen. (So watch it!)
In a nutshell, the main two characters (Clementine and Joel) are in a relationship that turns sour. Impulsive Clementine has all memories of Joel erased, and hurting Joel decides to do the same. The only problem is, while his memory is being erased, Joel realizes that he doesn't want to erase her --and tries his best to remember her. Then crazy stuff happens and then ... well, you've got to see it.
It totally gives the viewer and opportunity to see the actuality of what we've all imagined we could do--erase the images of someone who has hurt us, completely from our minds. Take them away, piece by piece, as if they did not exist at all.
I can't even remember how many times I've wished that were possible with certain memories. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet were absolutely outstanding. I forgot, for just a moment, that I was watching a movie and instead, found myself hoping that somehow Joel Barrish (played by Carrey) would find a way to remember Clementine (Winslet).
What really spoke to me is the fact that often, we all want to forget about someone who has hurt us. But if we were to take away all the memories of that person, we'd take away all the good things we remember about them too.
There are so many times I've wondered what could happen if we could just start over with someone-knowing their flaws, knowing what to watch out for, knowing that in the end, we might not be with them. But just taking the time to enjoy them, enjoy their company, enjoy their presence in our lives. In Joel's case, he had to forget in order to remember what was good. Luckily, he was able to start over--tabula rasa "clean slate."
If only we had the opportunity to start over, or rather, could realize what we have while we have it. But somehow, we slip into patterns that we don't seem to be able to break. It takes something to shake us out of those patterns. Often, it's the break-up itself that changes those patterns-but by then, it's too late. It's too late to take back what was said or take back all the things that have added up to bring you where you are. It's too late to start over. By then, you've already broken up, and you're supposed to be moving on with your life.
The key, I think, was said at some point in the movie. Joel realizes everything he is leaving behind-all of the memories. Oddly enough, he remembers most of the good times (like we all do when we look back) and all of the reasons he fell in love. He admits his mistakes and his fear. After attempting to hide Clementine somewhere in his mind they won't find her, he knows that he doesn't have much time left with her. He has come to the last memory, the last place she exists in his mind. The answer he gives applies to us all.
Clementine simply asks him, "What do we do?"He replies, "Enjoy it."
We may not know who is right for us or how long we might have together. We don't know if tomorrow will bring about an end to the road we've been traveling on or the relationship we've been in. We can only do our best to enjoy every minute of the journey while we're on it. Don't take it for granted while it lasts. Appreciate what you have before it's gone. Enjoy it.